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Grades 4–8. This lesson explores chemical reactions that release energy in the form of light, known as chemiluminescence. Students first observe a demonstration that uses a luminol mixture and oxidizer to start a chemical reaction that glows. Then they conduct an experiment to see how the amount of oxidizer affects the brightness and duration of the light. They also learn about the invention of the glow stick and relate their experience to how a glow stick works.

Grades 4–8. Students imagine that they are trapped in the dark basement of a science museum. They are warned not to use a flashlight or cell phone because, due to a methane leak, a tiny spark could start a fire. In order to provide light without heat, students explore the variables in a chemiluminescent chemical reaction to find the combination that results in the brightest and longest-lasting light. They first observe a demonstration that uses a luminol mixture and oxidizer to start a chemical reaction that glows. They also add a fluorescent highlighter dye to the reaction to see how this affects the brightness and duration of the glow. The lab activity concludes by describing how light sticks should be used to guide the trapped students to safety. The kit contains enough materials for multiple classes of 32 students and a teacher's guide, which includes student activity sheets.

This kit is part of a series of activities, developed by the American Chemical Society through grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. Other kits in this series include:

• American Chemical Society: Chemistry—Investigating Your World Lab Activity (item #841081)
• American Chemical Society: Chemistry’s Colorful Clue Lab Activity (item #841083)
• American Chemical Society: CO2 to the Rescue Lab Activity (item #841087)